Tirupati Balaji Temple, Tirumala - Timing, History & Photos

Location: Tirumala, Chittoor District, Andhra Pradesh, India

Dedicated To: Lord Venkateswara

The Tirupati Balaji Temple, also known as the Sri Venkateswara Swamy Temple, is one of the most sacred Hindu pilgrimage sites in the world. Situated on the serene Seshachalam Hills, it is renowned for its spiritual significance and architectural grandeur. Devotees believe that Lord Venkateswara, an incarnation of Lord Vishnu, resides here to grant blessings and fulfill their prayers.

Religious Significance of Balaji Temple:

• Devotees believe that Lord Venkateswara fulfills their wishes, and that visiting the temple is a way to attain moksha, or liberation from the cycle of birth and death

• Devotees believe that visiting the temple brings blessings, prosperity, and spiritual fulfillment

• Many Hindus consider visiting the temple to be a sacred duty

• Devotees find solace and inner peace at the temple, and feel a connection with the divine

Mythology of Balaji Temple:

According to legend, the temple’s deity, Lord Venkateswara, descended to Earth during the Kali Yuga to help devotees achieve salvation. Mythological accounts state that Lord Vishnu took this form to bless humanity. The temple is also associated with the legend of Goddess Lakshmi and Lord Vishnu's union. The self-manifested (swayambhu) idol of the deity in the sanctum is believed to be eternally powerful.

Tirupati Balaji Temple Timings:

The temple is opened separately for (general) Sarva Darshan and VIP darshan. In the case of Sarvadarshanam, the temple is open for 18 hours, and on peak days, it is open for 20 hours.

The entrance for Sarva darshan is through the Vaikuntam Queue Complex.

Tirupati Temple Timings

S.No	Time	Event
1	02:30 a.m.–3:00 a.m.	Suprabhatha Seva/Angapradakshinam
2	03:30 a.m.–4:00 a.m.	Thomala Seva (Ekantham)
3	04:00 a.m.–04:15 a.m.	Koluvu and Panchaga Sravanam (Ekantham)
4	04:15 a.m.–05:00 a.m	First Archana, Sahasranamarchana (Ekantham)
5	05:00 a.m.–8:30 a.m	VIP Break Darshan: L1, L2 (Recommendation Letter), L2 (Employees), L3
6	06:00 a.m.–07:00 a.m.	Visesha Puja/ Astadala Pada Padmaradhanamu Sahasrakalasabhishekam/ Tiruppavada,
7	07:00 a.m.–07:30 a.m.	Suddhi, II Archana, II Bell
8	08:30 a.m.–07:00 p.m	Sarva Darshan, Divya Darshan Special Entry: Darshan
9	10:00 am	Senior Citizen Darshan Physically Challenged Darshan/ Patients Dashan. Tickets have to be available by 7:00 a.m.
10	12:00 p.m.–05:00 p.m.	Kalyanotsavam/ Arjitha Brahmotsavam Vasanthotsavam/Unjal Seva (Dolotsavam) Supadam Darshan
11	03:00 pm	Senior Citizen Darshan Physically Challenged Darshan/ Patients Dashan. Tickets have to be available by 12:00 pm
12	05:30 pm – 06:30 pm	Sahasra Deepalankarana Seva
13	07:00 p.m.–08:00 p.m.	Suddhi, Kainkaryams ( Ekantham), Night Bell
14	08:00 p.m.–11:30 p.m.	Sarva Darshan/Divya Darshan
15	11:30 p.m.–12:00 a.m.	Suddhi, Preparations for Ekantha Seva
16	12:00 am	Ekantha Seva

Tirupati Temple Timings

• On Brahmotsavam days, Sarva Darshan is till 1:30 am as Arjitha Sevas is not performed.

• Sarva Darshan and Divya Darshan start by 8:30 a.m. on Brahmotsavam days.

• Darshan The duration varies from 2 hours to 24 hours.

• Temple Timings - 1:30 am to 12:00 am

Tirupati Temple Darshan Timings

• Sarva Darshan - 8:30 a.m. to 12:00 a.m.

• Divya Darshan (footpath darshan) - 8:30 am to 12:00 am

• Senior Citizen Darshan - 10:00 am and 3:00 pm

• Under 1-year-old baby Darshan - 12:00 pm to 6:00 pm

• NRI Darshan - 12:00 pm to 6:00 pm

• Special Entry Darshan (Rs. 300 tickets) - 10:00 am to 5:00 pm

• Donors Darshan - 12:00 pm to 6:00 pm

• Srivari Sevaks Darshan - 12:00 pm to 6:00 pm

• Under 5 years old, baby Darshan (Only on Lean Wednesday) - 9:30 am to 1:30 pm

• Kalyanotsavam Ticket - After 12:00 pm, Kalyanam

• Sahasra Deepalankar Seva - After 6:30 pm Seva.

Darshan tickets can be booked 3 months in advance for Balaji Temple Darshan. Temple will be crowded on all days, as it is estimated that 65,000 to 80,000 on normal days and 1.2 Lacs and above during weekends. It is estimated that 2+ lac devotees visit Tirupati temple on Brahmotsavam Garuda Seva day.

How to Reach Tirupati Balaji Temple:

By Road

The temple is well-connected to major cities like Chennai, Bangalore, and Hyderabad by road. Regular buses, private taxis, and rental vehicles operate to Tirupati from these cities.

By Train

Tirupati Railway Station is a major hub, just 26 km from the temple. Pilgrims can take a local bus or hire a jeep to reach Tirumala from the station.

By Air

The nearest airport is Tirupati Airport (Renigunta), about 40 km away. Cabs and buses are readily available for further travel.

Best Time to Visit Tirupati Balaji Temple

October to March: Ideal for pleasant weather and comfortable travel.

Early mornings and weekdays are less crowded, offering a peaceful darshan experience.

Peak Seasons: During Brahmotsavam (September-October) and Vaikunta Ekadasi (December-January), the temple sees a surge in devotees.

Festivals at Balaji Temple:

Vaikunta Ekadasi: Celebrated with great devotion, marking the opening of the Vaikunta Dwaram for devotees.

Brahmotsavam: A grand annual festival featuring special rituals and processions of the deity.

Rama Navami: Dedicated to Lord Rama, it includes special prayers and festivities at the temple.

Hanuman Jayanti: Celebrated with devotion, highlighting the connection between Lord Balaji and Hanuman.

Club Mahindra Stay Options in Andhra Pradesh:

For a comfortable and relaxing stay, pilgrims can opt for Starlit Suites Resort in Tirupati. This resort in Tirupati provides modern amenities and serene surroundings to enhance your pilgrimage experience.